We’re excited to introduce the jury for this year’s AIA Central PA’s Excellence in Design Awards! The 2025 jury members are from AIA Chattanooga, Tennessee. As we know, behind every awards ceremony stands a panel of remarkable individuals whose expertise and integrity ensure that the highest standards are upheld. We are excited to introduce this talented group. With their expertise and fresh perspectives, we know our submissions are in great hands. Over the coming weeks, they’ll be reviewing, discussing, and—no doubt—having plenty of tough debates as they work to pick our winners. For now, please join us in welcoming our 2024 jury:
Jessica Stack: (Jury Chair)
Jessica has a passion for problem solving through design; whether it’s employing current research to make environments more healthy and productive, or thinking strategically through efficient space planning and creative solutions for achieving client objectives or maximizing a tight budget. Jessica is a partner at Tinker Ma and has been with the team since 2015. She has served in firms in SC, TN, AL, and KS, specializing in higher education, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, and municipal design. In addition to her degrees in Architecture, Jessica also holds a degree in Construction Science & Management and enjoys serving the construction industry through service on K-12 Design & Construction Future Ready advisory boards and the AGC of East Tennessee Board of Directors. Jessica is originally from Central PA and is excited to serve AIA PA as Jury Coordinator for the 2025 Awards!
Mary Haizlip:
Mary Haizlip, AIA is Managing Principal of Haizlip Studio, a professional practice of planners, architects, and designers who create distinctive places of learning, imagination, and enrichment. She is dedicated to the education of children and families and guides the firm to work with mission-driven and non-profit organizations devoted to education, creativity, and community enhancement.
Mary is a native Memphian and graduated with BS in Engineering from The University of Memphis. She parlayed her considerable talents in math, science, and design into management expertise and inspired art direction for complex architecture and exhibit design projects.
After graduating from Leadership Memphis in 2009, Mary broadened her professional interest in educating children into a volunteer interest in improving the lives of children in danger. She became actively involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children and with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
She served on the Board of Directors for AIA Memphis and developed and organized the Architect’s Bike Tour to promote community wellness through art and architecture. In 2015 led AIA Memphis as President and subsequently served as a member of the Board of Directors for AIA TN. Mary is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the University of Memphis National Alumni Association and is the Board Chair for the Urban Art Commission.
Matthew Brown:
Matthew Brown, AIA, is a cofounder of Novel Works, a design firm in Chattanooga, TN. They design buildings that focus on refined craft, enduring quality, and richness of experience to create places of meaning and memory. Matthew is a 1994 graduate of the University of
Tennessee School of Architecture. He has worked for various design firms in the Southeast, including MHM, Shook, and LS3P. After a long and rewarding stint with Perkins & Will, he and his family moved back to Tennessee where he became a partner and Director of Design for Franklin Architects. There, he helped elevate the design approach of an already technically sound firm; the results of which were several design awards, LEED certifications, and publications. Matthew has also served on the boards of the local AIA chapter and a sustainability nonprofit, delivered keynotes, and served on design panels. At the beginning of 2024, after 16 years at Franklin, Matthew started Novel Works with his wife and partner, Kristi
Meaghan Edwards:
Meaghan Edwards is an Associate Principal with HASTINGS in Nashville, TN, and has specialized expertise in the design of academic environments for both K-12 and higher education institutions. Her clients include The University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, Montgomery Bell Academy, and Randolph School, among others. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in the design and delivery of the new West End Residential Colleges at Vanderbilt University – the largest capital project in the institution’s history. Each residential college creates a living-learning environment that supports students’ educational experience and wellbeing.
Meaghan is a Tennessee native and received her dual degree Bachelor of Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University. She has previously served on the AIA Middle Tennessee Board of Directors and led the Emerging Professionals program.
Sheila Dial Barton :
Sheila Dial Barton AIA, LEED AP is a Principal with EOA Architects in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1991, this regional design firm is known for its innovative approach to architectural practice, called humanizing design. EOA’s focus on sustainable and environmental design includes Nashville’s first LEED-Gold high-rise, The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, along with multiple LEED/sustainable projects throughout the Southeast including the $160M Tennessee State Museum. EOA’s current work includes the new Nissan Stadium, War Memorial and Legislative Plaza Building Renovations, and a new 16-gate concourse at the Nashville International Airport (BNA). First, studying Interior Design at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Sheila later received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee in 1997 and studied urban planning through UT’s foreign exchange program in Krakow, Poland.
Sheila is a member of the ULI (Urban Land Institute), former Chair of Mission Advancement, and current Chair of ULI Nashville’s 1005 members. She is an alum of Leadership Nashville, Class of 2023, and has been involved with numerous
professional and community organizations including past President of the AIA Middle Tennessee Board of Directors, the Interior Design Advisory Board at O’More College of Design, the Metro Public Arts Committee and former Chair of The DISTRICT.
Thomas Palmer:
As a founding Principal and Design Director of Tinker Ma, Thomas is responsible for design leadership which includes working with clients to establish the vision of a project and seeing that vision come through to reality. Utilizing his creativity to unify aesthetic design with functional and technical solutions is why our projects continue to be well regarded and respected throughout the community. His experience as a graduate of Auburn University and its Rural Studio encourages him to research and develop innovative, sustainable, and beautiful solutions to design challenges. As an early LEED accredited professional, Thomas has extensive experience with sustainable design projects that include the first LEED Platinum project in Tennessee. For more than 25 years, Thomas has designed creative solutions for the transformation of the built environment and the benefit of his community.
